The leader of Seychelles’ primary opposition party, Patrick Herminie, faced charges on Monday in connection with an investigation into alleged “witchcraft.”
Patrick Herminie, who heads the United Seychelles party and is a presidential candidate for the 2025 elections, criticized the decision, considering it a political move.
Mr. Herminie was apprehended at his party’s headquarters on Friday, and his office was searched before he was subsequently released.
In this investigation, Patrick Herminie, along with six other Seychellois and one Tanzanian national, stands accused of involvement in activities related to “witchcraft” and “unnatural and superstitious” practices.
The inquiry is linked to a disturbing incident in August when the bodies of an elderly woman and a young man were discovered in a cemetery on Mahé, the main island.
The Tanzanian national, who was arrested at Seychelles International Airport at the end of September, had Mr. Herminie’s name in their phone. This individual was found in possession of various items, including stones, small bottles containing a brownish liquid, various powders, and documents with satanic symbols and language, as reported by the Seychelles News Agency. These symbols resembled those found at vandalized sites across the archipelago, including Catholic churches.
Following his charges on Monday, Patrick Herminie was granted bail of 30,000 Seychelles rupees (approximately €2,100). Mr. Herminie expressed his belief that this decision was directly influenced by President Ramkalawan’s office.
If found guilty, the accused could face fines, with a new hearing scheduled for November 3rd.
